tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896487287390504342015-02-17T00:57:55.500-08:00Report on ConditionsA (in)human look at the Fire Service and what comes afterCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.comBlogger764125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-40397350344620669912014-09-17T11:00:00.000-07:002014-09-17T11:01:27.585-07:00It was one of "those" things, a situation that happens every once in a while, kind of a rookie mistake that I still, after 30+ years, make.<br /><br />I was leaving Lowes, happy that I was only going to have to go there once for this project, when I looked up and saw a large header off to the south. I figured that it was the hills south of town burning an area that usually provides pretty good photography and is only 15 minutes or so from my home.<br /><br />As I had nothing going that couldn't be done the next day, I headed for the hills. When I got closer to the hills, I saw that the fire was probably in the next set of hills, a little farther south. Only another 15 minutes or so farther, what the heck - it's just gas.<br /><br />Of course as I got closer, the fire got farther. It ended up being in Lake Elsinore, an area I hardly ever go to to photograph fires. I got through the CHP roadblock and saw that CalFire/Riverside County had things pretty much in hand.<br /><br />A traffic accident on the freeway had ignited a brush fire that had spread pretty rapidly. I think it got up to around 25 acres or so before being contained. A lot of exposures had kept the county folks busy. When I got there, the most active area was an equipment/material storage area that had been ignited by the brush fire. A pile of large tractor tires and another large area of plastic drainage pipe was going pretty good and sending a billowing column of black smoke into the air. A great opportunity for me.<br /><br />Though no units from my department were there, I got a few decent shots of the county getting it done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgD2FkS_b9Y/VBnHB3mtvJI/AAAAAAAAET8/TZyDNE9Ivuo/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(1%2Bof%2B5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgD2FkS_b9Y/VBnHB3mtvJI/AAAAAAAAET8/TZyDNE9Ivuo/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(1%2Bof%2B5).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />As all of this stuff was in the middle of the burn, it probably wasn't as critical as controlling the spread of the fire. About the time it became top priority, I was able to get there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrdOGloFR7E/VBnIPiE_ByI/AAAAAAAAEUI/zV8StgJTxlE/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(3%2Bof%2B5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrdOGloFR7E/VBnIPiE_ByI/AAAAAAAAEUI/zV8StgJTxlE/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(3%2Bof%2B5).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />A pretty long lay from a hydrant allowed them to use a master stream, though the piled up material presented a challenge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jT3ZGwgWoHs/VBnIwZCNDMI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/uCKG-62y8Cs/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(2%2Bof%2B5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jT3ZGwgWoHs/VBnIwZCNDMI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/uCKG-62y8Cs/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(2%2Bof%2B5).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />Fortunately, they had the right tools for the job.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7x57lP8Cy8/VBnJHVPc2CI/AAAAAAAAEUY/92WepK_ZqOk/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(4%2Bof%2B5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7x57lP8Cy8/VBnJHVPc2CI/AAAAAAAAEUY/92WepK_ZqOk/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(4%2Bof%2B5).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />CalFire operates a bunch of dozers throughout the state, there are a couple in our county. They are a great tool to have.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COSrCD8z4Gs/VBnKMSBiANI/AAAAAAAAEUk/YzZhhlwVNjo/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COSrCD8z4Gs/VBnKMSBiANI/AAAAAAAAEUk/YzZhhlwVNjo/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" height="285" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CalFire also operates helicopters, two of which were on this fire. This is my favorite shot of the day, copter 902 dropping on the burning tires. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wghUBvVsIE/VBnKvG59ZsI/AAAAAAAAEUs/wmfsp-ZF11w/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(5%2Bof%2B5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wghUBvVsIE/VBnKvG59ZsI/AAAAAAAAEUs/wmfsp-ZF11w/s1600/Temescal%2BINC%2BRVC%2BPIO%2B(5%2Bof%2B5).jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Despite tools, toys and technology, it's still boots on the ground that eventually finishes off the dragon.<br /><br />As the opportunity for dramatic images waned, so did my desire to be there. I was getting tired and thirsty, so I drove the 45 minutes back home. Mop-up on this fire took many hours, I'm guessin' there were units ther till midnight or so. Better them than me - poor bastards.<br /><br />Though it was my misjudgement on where this fire actually was that got me there, I'm glad I went. It was worth the drive. <br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-64464016395228028562014-09-15T17:15:00.002-07:002014-09-15T17:15:48.876-07:00I have a fascination with aerial firefighting. The combination of my career and one of my longest lasting interests works for me. A few days ago, I went to San Bernardino International Airport and photographed the loading of retardant into several air tankers, which were working the Silverado Fire.<br /><br />Two of the tankers were converted DC-10 airliners. Early "Jumbo Jets", the are huge. I had never seen one at SBD, so I though I'd head over and snap a few pics.<br /><br />I got lucky, and caught two of them. Tankers 911 and 912.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRc6Kfxxvuw/VBd8cYdz7rI/AAAAAAAAETk/WSvBWYQ7LVM/s1600/SBD%2B9-12-14%2BFB2%2B(1%2Bof%2B10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRc6Kfxxvuw/VBd8cYdz7rI/AAAAAAAAETk/WSvBWYQ7LVM/s1600/SBD%2B9-12-14%2BFB2%2B(1%2Bof%2B10).jpg" height="266" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VVz1QN4rFps/VBd8pWNZWLI/AAAAAAAAETs/BplqVG8AUTM/s1600/SBD%2B9-12-14%2BFB2%2B(10%2Bof%2B10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VVz1QN4rFps/VBd8pWNZWLI/AAAAAAAAETs/BplqVG8AUTM/s1600/SBD%2B9-12-14%2BFB2%2B(10%2Bof%2B10).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As you can see, pretty impressive. Whats really impressive, is the video below. It was shot a few hours after the above photo, from the Silverado Fire. Watch full screen HD if you can.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="238" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LPS8Y1GQIAo" width="410"></iframe><br /><br />I don't know who shot it, I wish it was me. I'm just guessin' that the design team at McDonnell Douglas, back in the '60s, had no idea their jumbo jet would be doing that for a living. I sure didn't see it coming.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-26563700769853594452014-09-07T18:14:00.001-07:002014-09-07T18:14:13.993-07:00Lord Stanley Visits AgainFor the second time in three years, Lord Stanley's cup has graced the front bumper of one of our engines. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1R6DgYOU8c8/VA0BjRll5uI/AAAAAAAAETU/pB7JDylYtnI/s1600/Lord%2BStanley%27s%2Bcup%2Bon%2BE14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1R6DgYOU8c8/VA0BjRll5uI/AAAAAAAAETU/pB7JDylYtnI/s1600/Lord%2BStanley's%2Bcup%2Bon%2BE14.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div><br />The cup is here as part of a charity fundraising event, sponsored by one of our local dining/drinking establishments. Although I am not a big hockey fan and even less of a Kings fan, I still find it kind of cool.<br /><br />I am going to send this to #1 son, who lives up in the Bay area. He is a big hockey fan, but hates the Kings. As a Ducks fan, he will not appreciate that the cup made it to town on behalf of the Kings.<br /><br />I expect some sort of snarky reply. He is, after all, his father's son.<br /><br />Thanks for sticking it out,<br />Schmoe<br /><br />Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-61342312444642229052014-07-14T21:49:00.003-07:002014-07-14T21:49:58.328-07:00Still Kickin'I haven't posted for a while. Actually, I haven't posted for a long while. No excuses, just a lack of inspiration, motivation and creation.<br /><br />I appreciate those of you who have asked about my status, I am touched. Life has been pretty good, a couple of trips, many photographs and good times with friends and family have kept me pretty <strike>busy</strike> happy, screwing off has occupied a lot of my time.<br /><br />I seem to excel at procrastination, not having firm deadlines seem to agree with my "screw it, I'll get it tomorrow" persona.<br /><br />I've actually thought about pulling this down, but remembering how hard I worked to get it started compels me to keep it alive.<br /><br />So, if you have room on your RSS feed, keep me on it. You never know when a nugget might show up.<br /><br />Thanks for your lyalty,<br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-48924916500031493632014-02-15T20:18:00.000-08:002014-02-15T20:18:01.980-08:00Funny Plastic Helmets"Ya know Schmoe", a slightly fuzzy&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ironfiremen.com/" target="_blank">Willie Wines</a> said to an even more fuzzy Joseph Schmoe, "there's one thing I have never understood."<br /><br />"What's that Willie?"<br /><br />"Why is it that you guys in California always wear those funny plastic helmets?"<br /><br />I don't remember my answer, but it was probably something about that most of us have never worn anything BUT those funny plastic helmets. The fact is, most of us love our funny plastic helmets and really have no desire to switch to leather. There are departments out here that wear leather, but plastic is the rule rather than the exception.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBI5FlgjXl4/UwA7L8e1rjI/AAAAAAAAEHE/Ihe4paCYyms/s1600/Lids-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBI5FlgjXl4/UwA7L8e1rjI/AAAAAAAAEHE/Ihe4paCYyms/s1600/Lids-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;My first helmet on the left, my last on the right.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Before any of the leather forever crowd sends me any nasty e-mails, please understand that most of us don't have anything against leather and wouldn't get too awful bent out of shape if our department went to a leather helmet. But, as much as leather is a tradition&nbsp; in many fire departments, plastic (thermo-plastic to be exact) is as much a tradition for us.<br /><br />I was very fortunate to meet Ray Russell, the founder of <a href="http://phenixfirehelmets.com/index.html" target="_blank">Phenix Fire Technology,</a> early in my career. We served in the same volunteer fire company, located in Home Gardens CA. Ray was a Volunteer Captain with the County F.D, who oversaw us. He was also our training officer.<br /><br />We wore Phenix helmets, marketed as First Due Firefighter Helmets by Western Fire Equipment. As we had an "in" with Ray, many of us had our own. I still have my very first helmet, it sits proudly on my "I Love Me" shelf.<br /><br />The On-line edition of our local rag, the Press-Enterprise recently ran a photo essay on Phenix Technology, showcasing some of their products and giving an overview of the company.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.pe.com/photos/photos-news/20140214-riverside-phenix-technology-fired-up-to-expand.ece" target="_blank">IT CAN BE FOUND HERE</a>.<br /><br />I was happy to see the article and photos, Ray and his family have worked really hard to develop the company and it's products.<br /><br />With the exception of two shifts in February of 1993, from June of 1981 until this very day, Phenix thermo-plastic helmets were the only helmets to grace my head.<br /><br />The exception occurred when our sometimes knucklehead equipment manager got into a beef with Phenix and then purchased a few grossly inferior Morning Pride Lite Force IV helmets. As I was getting promoted to captain, I was issued one of the new helmets. I hated it so much, I went to see Ray over at Phenix and purchased a shiny red captains helmet. I wore it for many years nobody noticed but the sometimes knucklehead equipment manager. He may have said something, I may have told him to F*#@ himself. A short time later, the beef was resolved and we began buying Phenix helmets again. The Morning pride helmets, with at least one exception, likely ended up in Mexico.<br /><br />Even though I no longer fight fire, the department requires me to wear a lid when photographing emergency scenes. I purchased my last department issued lid when I retired and the chief was kind enough to allow me to still wear it when it is needed. It's kind of ironic, but my very first helmet and my last helmet are both Phenix First-Dues with the number 13 on them. What goes around comes around.<br /><br />Good luck to Ray, his family and the rest of the folks over at Phenix. While thermo-plastic may not be considered traditional by many, it is our tradition.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-70608102615583000452014-02-13T09:32:00.001-08:002014-02-13T09:32:19.965-08:00Oscar's BitchesStarting in the holiday season and ending at the Academy Awards ceremony, The Saint and I try to see all of the movies nominated for best picture. We really don't care who wins the Best Picture Oscar, but it's always fun to discuss the nominees with our friends and be able to say that we saw all of them.<br /><br />We don't always make them all. As we start the attempt before the nominees are actually announced, we sometimes see films that we THINK might be nominated. This year, Saving Mr. Banks is an example of that. As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expanded the number of nominees a few years back, sometimes we just run out of time and don't get them all in. Last year we missed two.<br /><br />Yesterday, after a two film double header, we can say that we saw all of the movies nominated for the 2014 best picture Oscar. We deserve a freaking medal, or at least a free t-shirt or tub of popcorn.<br /><br />They were all good movies, but there at least one that didn't deserve a nomination and a couple more that wouldn't have been nominated had the number of nominees been limited to five.&nbsp; There were a couple that we didn't like, despite being brilliant movies. Just because a movie is good, doesn't mean I have to like it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IAwCEHGC1s/Uvz7UL4yljI/AAAAAAAAEG0/BrhVEQ26Bqk/s1600/oscar-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IAwCEHGC1s/Uvz7UL4yljI/AAAAAAAAEG0/BrhVEQ26Bqk/s1600/oscar-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge. I have the order in which I think the voting</div><div style="text-align: center;">should be cast and the actors who I think should win for their</div><div style="text-align: center;">roles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see, I really liked Nebraska. Philomena was a real close second. Both of these films were superbly cast, shot and directed. The writing was excellent as was the editing. I think Bruce Dern's performance put Nebraska just a tad over Philomena.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can also see, I didn't think much of Gravity. To me, the whole film was contrived. Though entertaining, it was not worthy of a Best Picture nomination. Sandra Bullock doesn't deserve a Best Actress nomination either. This movie was more about hype and special effects than it was quality movie production.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Her was one of those movies that was a brilliant film, I just didn't like it. It was deeply disturbing on many levels. It is a statement on how detached some of us have become and how detached we could become. I might have missed the final message, but I don't think so.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Wolf Of Wall Street was a great movie, one about excess. Everything about it is excessive, including it's length. Leonardo Dicaprio deserves the best actor for his role in it, though Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyer's Club is only very slightly behind for it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Saint pointed out that of the nine best picture nominees, six were at least partially based on true events. That has to be some kind of record, I just don't feel like doing the research.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We really aren't Oscarphiles.&nbsp; We don't host Oscar parties, nor have we attended any. We do like movies and we like seeing them on the cheap if we can. We like seeing movies that we wouldn't ordinarily see and occasionally are very pleasantly surprised. Our plan of catching all of the Best Picture nominees before the Oscars allows us to see great movies and provides us with a lot of entertainment - even after the Oscar winners are announced.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Win Win for us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Schmoe.</div>Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-22763954277663296402014-02-11T12:44:00.000-08:002014-02-11T12:44:01.488-08:00My Town From The UpsideI worked with a guy named Eric. We weren't real close, he worked at the USAR station and I worked up the hill at the healing place. I'd see him once in a while at the USAR building and on fires when the second tuck company made it to my scene. I knew that he liked to surf and that he liked to shoot video with a GoPro camera.<br /><br />I had also heard that he had purchased a type of Quad Copter drone, one that can carry a Go Pro camera and shoot video. I didn't realize how cool it was until Saturday, when we ran into each other at a USAR search dog certification test. Frankly, that set up is pretty bad-ass.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yTYCOhH5K6U/UvqEMiM0UuI/AAAAAAAAEGk/yY9OntEnhP8/s1600/drone-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yTYCOhH5K6U/UvqEMiM0UuI/AAAAAAAAEGk/yY9OntEnhP8/s1600/drone-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp; <br />I don't know all of the technical details, but I know it has a radio range of a couple of miles and that the video is down linked to a screen on the controller. This enables him to fly it when he cant see it. The drone also remembers where it was launched from and if radio contact is lost, it will return to that point. Like I said, it's pretty bad-ass.<br /><br />Eric has been busy with his drone. One of his projects was to shoot some of the landmarks in the downtown area of my city and make a video of it.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="274" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/85946256" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="365"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/85946256">Upside Downtown Riverside</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ep5productions">EP5 Productions</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /> <br /><br />As I have lived here almost all of my life, I really enjoyed it. There are some views of the new Station #1 as well as Mt. Rubidoux park, the tinderbox that the city launches fireworks off of every Fourth of July. The City manager was so impressed, he wants Eric to make one showing views of all of the neighborhoods in the city. Though that is quite an undertaking, it will be something to see.<br /><br />Eric did a great job with this, not only the drone work, but the editing as well. I hope that you like it as much as I did.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-90921532145170320252014-01-25T12:54:00.001-08:002014-01-25T12:54:36.787-08:00I Think She's Going To Work OutZoie has been here a couple of weeks. It was quickly apparent that she is a very sweet dog who came from a loving home.<br /><br />She has been remarkably easy. No accidents, no barking, no destruction of property - no real issues at all. She has evolved into being my dog mainly, though she likes #2 son and The Saint That I Am Married To as well.&nbsp;<br /><br />Getting to know the territorial wiener dogs as been her main challenge, they made things a little tough on her but not too bad. They made life tough on me as well, giving me the cold shoulder for the first week or so that Zoie was here. Somehow, they knew that Zoie being here was my doing, not The Saint's.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfrIKxZi4_4/UuQiV5B3kII/AAAAAAAAEGI/UbeXgmlFGic/s1600/crappy+dog+pics-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfrIKxZi4_4/UuQiV5B3kII/AAAAAAAAEGI/UbeXgmlFGic/s1600/crappy+dog+pics-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />Each day got a little better. Though there was only one real kerfuffle, there was plenty of posturing on both sides. Things have reached a point of stability, though I don't think the issue of dominance has really been resolved. I am sure it will be at some point, that's the way dogs roll.<br /><br />Meanwhile, we are enjoying new dog. Her old owner has texted me a few times to see how she is doing. I think she is as happy as we are with the ease of the transition. I am sure that Zoie misses her old human. After all, she was with her for over three years. That's her entire childhood in dog years.<br /><br />As the transition continues I am quite sure a few items may pop up, but I am equally as sure they will be minor and easily handled. Until then we will just enjoy the ride and enjoy sweet Zoie.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GWPME3Zw60/UuQkXpH9JNI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/coDAHNTzDzE/s1600/three+nappers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GWPME3Zw60/UuQkXpH9JNI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/coDAHNTzDzE/s1600/three+nappers.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-73883510745905294172014-01-23T10:05:00.000-08:002014-01-23T10:05:24.783-08:00The Gift That Keeps On GivingThe chief's departure remains a topic that the local paper won't let go of. Yesterday, columnist Dan Bernstein wrote <a href="http://blog.pe.com/government/2014/01/21/riverside-fire-department-work-hard-get-ahead-dont-apply-for-chief/" target="_blank">THIS PIECE</a>, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the appointment of the assistant chief to the interim fire chief's post. It makes the whole series of events seem totally absurd.<br /><br />In a nutshell, after the retiring chief's deal fell apart, a long retired assistant chief was contacted to act as interim chief until a permanent chief could be found. He agreed to do it at a significantly lower rate than the retiring chief was going to do it for and thought that it was a done deal.<br /><br />A few days later, the long retired assistant received a phone call saying that his services were not required. If there was an explanation given, he didn't share it with me.<br /><br />A few days after that, it was announced that the current assistant chief would be interim chief until a nationwide search for a replacement fire chief was conducted and a permanent chief named. It was also announced that the assistant chief had agreed not to apply for the fire chiefs job before being named as interim chief.<br /><br />The logic given for the above arrangement, was that the city manager felt an interim chief would have an advantage in the competition for the permanent job and he didn't want give anyone a helping hand.<br /><br />I smell bullshit. For a number of reasons that I won't go into here. <br /><br />That the assistant chief agreed to it is a little surprising to me. I'm pretty sure that he would like to be the fire chief. I can only figure out two reasons why he would agree to the restriction.<br /><br />One is that he feels the retiring chief had so thoroughly poisoned his chances for being appointed chief that he didn't stand a chance anyway - so why not serve as interim and enjoy it for a few months.<br /><br />The second possible reason is that this story is going to continue to evolve and any agreement not to apply for the permanent position might be rescinded in the future. Bernstein's article seems to support this theory.<br /><br />The big losers in this whole deal have to be the city manager and the assistant city manager who directly oversees the fire department. Each new article reduces their credibility. The department itself is definitely a loser, every few days another negative column or article appears with a negative spin on the agency.<br /><br />All because someone with a "hooray for me, **ck you" life philosophy got a little too greedy and brought scrutiny on himself and others.<br /><br />Karma can be a bitch.&nbsp; <br /><br />Greed - the gift that keeps on giving.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Schmoe<br /><br /><br />Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-35343598681602641582014-01-17T22:25:00.001-08:002014-01-17T22:25:48.699-08:00Barking WarsI couldn't help notice the similarity between in the atmosphere of where I was and that of the impound lot counter in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parking_Wars" target="_blank">television show Parking Wars.</a>&nbsp; There was also a similarity to the DMV office. Not a pleasant hybrid if you ask me.<br /><br />There were people there trying to get their property back, people trying to resolve minor legal issues, and people trying to comply with laws that seem to get more complicated every year. Each transaction had to be accompanied by paperwork that had to be completed in a certain fashion and by money. Sometimes a lot of money.<br /><br />If it sounds like I have an axe to grind, I do. I hate the Animal Control licensing system and I resist complying with most of it's requirements. That I am writing about it can mean only one thing. I got caught.<br /><br />My beef with the county animal control system started many years ago. Back then, I was a dutiful dog owner who licensed my dogs, though I never used any of the services that they provided. Then one day my, beloved whippet Boss escaped the Schmoe household.<br /><br />After driving the 'hood numerous times and posting flyers, I called the local shelter and inquired if they might have possibly Boss in their possession. They told me that they did not provide that service, that there was no list available to give information over the phone. I then asked if they looked up the owners of licensed internees by getting the numbers off of the tags, cross checking the owners from the paperwork and notifying the owners.&nbsp;<br /><br />"Oh no Mr. Schmoe, we don't do that either. You need to come down and walk the kennels to see if we have your dog".&nbsp; Of course I went down there and sadly, I never found Boss Whippet.<br /><br />I&nbsp; instantly realized that I was a sucker and resolved to never to license my dog again.<br /><br />I don't know if you've ever walked the row atyour local shelter or not, but I can tell you it is a depressing experience. Most of the animals will be dead within a few days. If you were missing a dog, you had to go down there every day lest your dogs came in and then be disposed of.<br /><br />In the following years, licensing requirements in my county were made stricter. The cost of licensing a non-spayed or non-neutered dog rose to $100 per year. Your dog must be micro-chipped before you can license it. Stuff like that.<br /><br />I held my ground and though I always had my dogs vaccinated and sterilized, I opted not to give the county my money for the privilege. <br /><br />The dog catchers came through the neighborhood a few times. They would pound on the door and if they heard a dog bark, the would leave a pre-citation notice on the door if no one answered. I threw them away. If I was home when they came, I just wouldn't answer the door.<br /><br />Then, one fateful day last month, I answered the door without looking to see who was there. It was a county code compliance officer, one that the animal control people sent out to rustle up some money. It's pretty hard to deny being a dog owner when there are two yapping wiener dogs running around your feet.<br /><br />The county sends the goon squad out to catch scofflaws like me and this time they succeeded. Fortunately I was able to provide proof of rabies vaccination and of altering so I only had to pay 25 bucks per dog as a late fee and regular licensing fees. As I am now on their radar, I decided to go ahead and register Zoie as well and maybe save myself some future grief.<br /><br />I am told that as all licensed dogs have to be chipped, the shelter scans all dogs that they come to possess.&nbsp; Sometimes, I am also told, the dog catcher scans in the field and returns the dog to it's owner without ever taking it to the shelter. I have my doubts.<br /><br />Regardless, it appears that my original beef has run out of validity. The tactic of sending people door to door has succeeded in my case, the jangle of dog tags can once again be heard as the canines tear through the house. I have been brought back into line, though not without whining and gnashing of teeth.<br /><br />I know animal control provides a valuable service and I know everybody was just doing their job. I just felt that the everyday Schmoe, the one paying the bills, should have been shown some love when it was needed. Just sayin'.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-49734188022214912622014-01-16T10:30:00.000-08:002014-01-16T10:30:24.305-08:00Winter Madness - Fire above GlendoraI awoke this morning staggered out to the kitchen and fired up the coffee maker. Out of habit, I turned on the TV and switched to the morning news. I was quite surprised to see images of flame, smoke and people fleeing an approaching flame front.<br /><br />At first, I thought perhaps it was footage from an earlier incident, but it soon became apparent that there was a growing fire in the foothills above Glendora Ca.<br /><br />Daaaamn Gina, It's freaking January!<br /><br />I know we're in the middle of a drought and I know the winds are a dry, offshore flow, but still - January!<br /><br />As Glendora is very near L.A. and it started just before 0600, there was a LOT of live TV coverage. At least 5 separate helicopters and several ground videographers were covering the fire on 6 TV channels.<br /><br />The winds were causing embers to spread the fire, often hundreds of feet or more in front of the body of fire. Palm trees, may of which appeared to be poorly maintained, were igniting a quarter of a mile or more ahead of the fire. Needless to say, the crews were busy.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="274" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/a_BQ7PrbRmA" width="365"></iframe><br /><br /><br />I was a little surprised at how fast the fire moved from the foothills into a few remote canyons with homes in them and then spotted into developed neighborhoods.<br /><br />The news is reporting three or four homes lost, depending on which channel you are watching. As of 1000 hrs. the latest acreage estimates are in the 1700 range. Again, pretty impressive for January. <br /><br />It appears that a lot of resources were pumped into the area and I think that they will get a handle on things today. Part of the fire is in LA county jurisdiction and part in the Angeles National Forest combined. Along with the mutual aid network, there should be sufficient people and equipment to get a handle on it.<br /><br />Time will tell on that.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Schmoe<br /><br /><br />Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-62390013586212240112014-01-13T11:55:00.003-08:002014-01-13T12:06:49.414-08:00Pain, Sweat and GruntsPhotos, at least the kind I like to take, are supposed to tell a story. Really good photographs need no words to get the message across.<br /><br />Sometimes, circumstances do not allow the photographer to get the shot that he wants. The subject's face is not visible, the physical limitations of the scene restrict he photographer's movement, the unavailability of preferred equipment.&nbsp; At other times, the photographer messes up and misses the definitive moment, the split second that defines the subject matter being photographed. Sometimes, all of the above conspire to require the addition of words to the story and the photos become supplemental to the story and the words become essential.&nbsp; <br /><br />I dropped by the tower the other day, in hopes that I could catch an engine company out on drill. As luck would have it, I found an engine drilling a probationary employee. As luck would also have it, it appeared that the boot may not have been performing as well as some would have liked. The distraction of a photographer clicking away would not have been welcomed so I opted to wander over to the pile, a training prop used to train people in the fine art of structural collapse rescue.<br /><br />A multi-agency drill was in progress. Part of a structural collapse certification course. Most of the class were from Cal/Fire - Riverside County FD, people I did not know. There were a few folks from my dept. and a few from the county that I knew from the FEMA USAR team. From them I was able to find the person in charge and get approval to shoot. For that, I am grateful.<br /><br />Two crews were working on the pile, with two separate operations in progress. I picked one and went to work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0ibco5Wm7k/UtQpd5URIgI/AAAAAAAAEEM/hyhZeQ4AFvU/s1600/struct+collapse+1-9-13-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0ibco5Wm7k/UtQpd5URIgI/AAAAAAAAEEM/hyhZeQ4AFvU/s400/struct+collapse+1-9-13-1.jpg" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In our prop, you usually have to go up before you can go down. Everything has to be hauled to the access point, usually up a ladder. In this case, someone has determined that the atmosphere is potentially hazardous and has set up forced ventilation. Two people are standing by should something go wrong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most of the working areas of our prop have easier ways of access than the rescuers are allowed to use. This enables an easy escape route should something go wrong. It also works for me, I can get into the pile without affecting the scenario.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I gained access and entered the prop, finding the rescue well under way. At first, I am laying flat on my back,&nbsp; shooting up at the ceiling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDLM4kmqUjk/UtQrSd5rkPI/AAAAAAAAEEY/ctjK5RUIpbI/s1600/struct+collapse+1-9-13-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDLM4kmqUjk/UtQrSd5rkPI/AAAAAAAAEEY/ctjK5RUIpbI/s400/struct+collapse+1-9-13-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp; </div>The rescuer is on the left, the victim is Pops, a tenth generation dummy that has managed to retain the same name over the years, despite having been replaced at least a dozen times. The objective is lift Pops from the floor of the vault into the black pipe, then move him horizontally to a second vault from where he could be lifted to the surface. It's quite a bit of work, even when things are going well. When things are not going well it can be brutal. Most of the work is done dangling in the air. Leverage and stability decrease dramatically when not firmly planted on the floor.<br /><br />There were some issues with this evolution, things were not going as well as the team had hoped. Due to the respiratory hazard, the rescuer is breathing off of SCBA with all of his breathing air on his back. This limits the amount of time that he can work before a bottle change is required. That turned out to be a factor and the plan had to be changed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLn7m-X6fSs/UtQuNTv7NJI/AAAAAAAAEEk/KQSh5MZy9NA/s1600/struct+collapse+1-9-13-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLn7m-X6fSs/UtQuNTv7NJI/AAAAAAAAEEk/KQSh5MZy9NA/s400/struct+collapse+1-9-13-19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Even the act of leaving the work space is a lot of work. The rescuer lowered Pops back to the floor, then lifted himself back to the pipe using a Z-rig lift system. Many grunts ensued, the rescuer expending tremendous amounts of energy to remove himself from the area. That his SCBA hung up on the edge of the pipe as he was trying to get back in did not help matters. I felt for him.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQGHQwDBfOE/UtQvpA93BrI/AAAAAAAAEEw/Z5lixtVBNg0/s1600/struct+collapse+1-9-13-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQGHQwDBfOE/UtQvpA93BrI/AAAAAAAAEEw/Z5lixtVBNg0/s400/struct+collapse+1-9-13-26.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />After the first rescuer departed, a second appeared. This one was breathing air through an umbilical system and brought a ladder with him. An umbilical air system has it's advantages. A large supply of air and no bottle on your back are the main ones. The down side is that the air line itself along with the communication line can be a pain as well.<br /><br />The ladder was a good idea, however it's length prevented it from being removed from the horizontal pipe. It had to be grunted back out to the surface, again with a large amount of work being done while dangling in the air. More sweat, more grunts.<br /><br />Pops never complained about the delay.<br /><br />The plan reverted back to #A, this time with the different rescuers. The Z rig and brute strength used to get Pops up in the air, the difficulty was in making the transition from the vertical lift into the horizontal pipe. The anchor point for the Z rig was not quite high enough so Pops had to be grunted up the last foot or so, then stuffed into the pipe.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSs373t_074/UtQz4c1HTHI/AAAAAAAAEE8/4LuEhopo5SI/s1600/struct+collapse+1-9-13-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSs373t_074/UtQz4c1HTHI/AAAAAAAAEE8/4LuEhopo5SI/s400/struct+collapse+1-9-13-32.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br />The instructors began to take an interest, they were running out of day. Setting up for nights ops adds another component to the scenario, one that they. nor anyone had any interest in at that point.<br /><br />The guy in the pipe is lifting, using brute strength. Grunting, pain and sweat ensues.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cSYqtdbDSU/UtQ9wTU5ASI/AAAAAAAAEFM/G0xpo2c7rfs/s1600/struct+collapse+1-9-13-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cSYqtdbDSU/UtQ9wTU5ASI/AAAAAAAAEFM/G0xpo2c7rfs/s400/struct+collapse+1-9-13-38.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />The guy dangling is pushing for all he is wort as well. More grunting, more pain, more sweat.<br /><br />Still no word from Pops. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RIk3eDrTzY8/UtQ-SlHlqlI/AAAAAAAAEFU/9CwnyNvTSMs/s1600/struct+collapse+1-9-13-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RIk3eDrTzY8/UtQ-SlHlqlI/AAAAAAAAEFU/9CwnyNvTSMs/s400/struct+collapse+1-9-13-45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Finally, after much effort, Pops is in the pipe, on his way to the surface. As the main objective was met, the instructors called it. All that was left was picking up the toys.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T76RgO34P4A/UtQ_r0CFvVI/AAAAAAAAEFk/XQK5n9DXo9Q/s1600/struct+collapse+1-9-13-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T76RgO34P4A/UtQ_r0CFvVI/AAAAAAAAEFk/XQK5n9DXo9Q/s400/struct+collapse+1-9-13-50.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />All of the equipment used in the drill had to go back on the rigs and be ready for use as soon as the unit was back in service.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ftSkG5l56HY/UtRBmm-BMHI/AAAAAAAAEFs/cWtfQQk4LXs/s1600/struct+collapse+1-9-13-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ftSkG5l56HY/UtRBmm-BMHI/AAAAAAAAEFs/cWtfQQk4LXs/s400/struct+collapse+1-9-13-51.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />After all of the equipment is put away, the post action huddle is conducted. All of the effort was for the purpose of training. As everyone has a different perspective of the scenario, it is important to discuss the event, with all of the players participating. What worked, what didn't. What policies or procedures might have helped. How can the evolution be improved.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-feKAygn-EU8/UtREJJAMWHI/AAAAAAAAEF4/2z1OPKdPcxQ/s1600/struct+collapse+1-9-13-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-feKAygn-EU8/UtREJJAMWHI/AAAAAAAAEF4/2z1OPKdPcxQ/s400/struct+collapse+1-9-13-48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />How can the job be done better. That is what this was all about.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Schmoe<br /><br />P.S. After all of the gear was stowed and the event discussed, Pops was left in a heap, uncomplaining unneeded until the next training session. Just like he has for ever. <br /><br /><br />Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-7345706888549632752014-01-09T09:48:00.003-08:002014-01-09T10:05:24.866-08:00It's Been A Tough WeekZoie has had a tough couple of days.<br /><br />It started out with a car ride, an activity which Zoie usually enjoys. She got to ride shotgun, while the infant was relegated to a carrier in the back seat. It's not often that Zoie gets the preferred anything any more. Since the birth of the infant, her life had slid downhill from being the cherished child substitute to being just a dog.<br /><br />Though the car ride was fun, it was longer than usual and ended up in Riverside, in a neighborhood which Zoie was unfamiliar with. It was also odd that a box filled with her toys, her bed and her feeding dish ended up in the back seat, though I don't think she noticed.<br /><br />After she arrived at her destination, she was bet by a big, ugly red-headed man, who seemed friendly enough, but was in the company of two rather territorial wiener dogs. That she was left there was bewildering. That she didn't get a decent good-bye was shocking, not only to her but to the big ugly red-headed man as well.<br /><br />The first few hours weren't too awful. The man was affectionate and did his best to make her feel at home. The wiener dogs, though territorial, were coldly civil. Zoie could not understand why her owner had left her there, frequent looks at the front door brought no sign that her owner was returning for her.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yulVdVZtS7M/Us7glNHbAyI/AAAAAAAAED8/k_sZ7tR_V_Q/s1600/Zoie-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yulVdVZtS7M/Us7glNHbAyI/AAAAAAAAED8/k_sZ7tR_V_Q/s1600/Zoie-1.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div><br /><br />Things started to get worse when Zoie went with the man to Petco and was fitted for a shipping crate. Further deterioration occurred upon the return to the mans house. The wiener dogs did not appreciate that Zoie had gone somewhere and they had not.<br /><br />As time progressed, the wiener dogs figured out that Zoie was not leaving any time soon. Zoie began to worry. Dinner time was approaching and her owner was nowhere to be found. A lesson in doggie door usage went well, but the increasing resentment of the wiener dogs placed further stress upon her.<br /><br />It became dark. The doggie door was useful as it allowed Zoie to walk to the side gate, where she could see the driveway and the cars parked on it. Still no sign of her owner or her car. Whining didn't help her owner find her way back to pick her up. Loneliness along with darkness and cooling temperatures increased her misery.<br /><br />When the man's wife came home from work, the wiener dogs became&nbsp; even more territorial, their usually sweet dispositions vanishing in a snarl and a flash of teeth whenever the wife acknowledged Zoie's presence. Boundries were thrown up throughout the evening, territorial ones and emotional ones. The pack dynamic was challenging for Zoie to&nbsp; learn.&nbsp; And still, Zoies owner did not return for her.<br /><br />As the evening wound down it became apparent that Zoie would be spending the night in the strange house. She found out what the crate was for when it was time for bed. Her bed was in the new crate, along with a blanket. Zoie wasn't happy about the crate, though she did not vocalize her displeasure when she was forced to spend the night in there. That she was quiet all&nbsp; night made the big ugly red-headed man happy, for he placed a high value on sleep.<br /><br />The next day was more of the same. Looking for an owner who never came back. Lessons in pack dynamics. Learning the details of a strange home. Zoie spent some time with #2 son, napping together in the kids bed.<br /><br />The man was impressed with how trouble free Zoie seemed to be, though he wondered why someone could so easily get rid of such an easy dog. A second night with no noise coming from the crate added to the evidence that the decision to take Zoie in was the right one. It is, after all, a matter of adjustment.<br /><br />***** <br /><br />I think that&nbsp; things will work out. We will adjust, the territorial wiener dogs will adjust and Zoie will adjust.<br /><br />Zoie and Buster are playing today, not for the first time, but for the first time it seems that they are playing for fun - not for the purpose of establishing dominance.<br /><br />Back up to three dogs. I kinda liked having just two, but Zoie needed a home and well, I am a sucker for a pretty face on a small dog.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br />Schmoe <br /><br /><br /><br />Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-25488712946206752892014-01-08T09:58:00.001-08:002014-01-08T09:58:28.545-08:00It's Never SimpleThere were two meetings yesterday, one of several important topics discussed at each was the arrangement of hiring the retiring chief back to mentor potential replacements and to administer a couple unfinished projects.<br /><br />The first meeting was a firefighters union meeting. I&nbsp; did not attend, but I did read an article on the local paper's web site which quoted Tim Strack, the union local president, in an open letter.<br /><br />In the open letter, Strack wrote that bringing the chief back “is counterproductive for the future” of the department and “a poor use of public resources.” Three months is not long enough to develop a fire chief, and with the chief sticking around, the acting chiefs wouldn’t have the necessary autonomy to run the department, Strack wrote.<br /><br />The second meeting was a city council meeting, which was held last night. Again I did not attend, but the city sent out a press release during the meeting which said that the subject of rehiring the fire chief had been revisited, and after receiving criticism from the public and the union, it had been decided not to rehire the retiring chief in any fashion.<br /><br />As the press release appears to have been issued during the meeting, the matter was likely decided (re-decided?) in a closed door session prior to the public meeting.<br /><br />Also in the press release, the city manager was quoted as saying that a retired fire chief or other high ranking city official would be hired as an interim chief while a nationwide search was conducted for a permanent replacement. <br /><br />I find the above statement curious. Does that mean the city manager is going outside, for even the interim chief? It sure sounds like it to me. The city manager is also quoted in the newspaper as saying that his choice to try the three-chief arrangement did not mean he thought no one in the department was qualified to become chief. Maybe so, but then publicly saying that he is planning to go outside, even for the interim job sure does.<br /><br />We have gone outside before - it was a disaster. I'm not saying it would be again, but there are a few folks inside that I think would do a fine job . I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens.<br /><br />Regardless, the retiring chief is actually going to do so, the rotating acting chief idea is out the window and the gadfly/malcontent city hall watchers have another six months of fodder to make snarky comments about.<br /><br />All at the expense of a group of people who want to help people, do their jobs and not read headlines about the political circus performing above their heads. <br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-16331150020300743102014-01-06T11:33:00.000-08:002014-01-06T11:33:36.929-08:00Kerfuffle in River CityThe thing that really annoys me about this is that it brings negativity to my beloved RFD. Let me start by saying I know all of the players, most very well. I have my opinions about their strengths, their weaknesses, their personalities and their overall capabilities. Let me also say that these guys play the game at a higher level than I ever did. They know stuff that I don't, they know things about each other that I don't. That's fine by me, I don't need to know anymore.<br /><br />It all started when the Fire Chief announced that he was retiring at the end of last year. That was quickly (or simultaneously) followed by a statement that he would be hired back as a Fire Administrator on a part time basis. The fire administrator position is one that appears to have been created for the chief, as we have never had one in the thirty plus years that I have been associated with the department.<br /><br />The duties of the administrator will include mentoring the three announced possible successors and the administering of a contract with a private ambulance company to provided 911 transport within the city. It reportedly pays $100 per hour with no bennies, significantly less that the buck and a quarter plus benefits that he was making while chief.<br /><br />He will be collecting his full pension while serving as administrator and will be limited to 960 hrs per yr. under state pension rules. There is some question as to whether the deal is allowable under the rules - the laws changed a few years ago and they appear to have different interpretations.<br /><br />The three possible successors will each serve as acting chief for a three month period. All are currently division chiefs within the department. One is the ops/deputy chief, the second is the fire marshal and the third is the USAR chief. All are capable men who have been around for a long while. I consider all three to be "professional friends" and have worked with all of them.<br /><br />The local paper wrote an article about the situation and the details were not well received by some of the public. The usual gadfly-malcontents are raising hell - that is to be expected. There are plenty of others who are less than thrilled as well.<a href="http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/riverside/riverside-headlines-index/20131230-riverside-fire-departments-three-chief-rotation-is-unusual.ece" target="_blank">This article</a>, as well as a&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.pe.com/government/2014/01/02/the-big-double-dipper-riverside-fire-chief-retires-rehired/" target="_blank">satire/opinion column</a> generated a significant number of responses, none supporting the deal.<br /><br />That the issue has legs and will not be going away soon was proven by a&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.pe.com/government/2014/01/05/double-dipping-riverside-readers-call-it-thievery-and-stinky/" target="_blank">second satirical/op-ed piece</a>, one that was published this morning. I'm just guessin' that some of the city council's phones will be ringing off the hook before this is over.<br /><br />The council has been strangely silent about the issue over the weekend, though I know they are aware of it. I am sure it will be discussed at the weekly meeting tomorrow night.<br /><br />The union is going to discuss it at their monthly meeting later this week. Hopefully their position will be made public. The issue is too important to not take a stand.<br /><br />Frankly, I find the whole deal distasteful. I don't have a problem with the idea of working after retirement - provided the rules are followed, the organization has a legitimate need and the retiree isn't merely getting a sweetheart deal to further enhance their income. In this case, I am not sure that all of these conditions are being met.<br /><br />I don't like that the department will have a divided leadership for the next nine months. Each of the aspiring chiefs will not be able to set a course for the agency as their time in the hot seat will be limited. In addition, the retiring chief is a high control guy, one who excels at providing direction. I think it might be hard for him to see a course set that perhaps did not have the same destination that he had set.<br /><br />That there is an uproar among the public regarding this arrangement is understandable. The numbers make it appear that the retiring chief will be getting over 300k combined pension and wages per year for working 20 hrs a week. I understand their ire. While my checking account would love a similar arrangement, I don't posses the skill set to make it happen nor would my ethos allow it.<br /><br />While it will be interesting to see how this all shakes out, the fall out from it hurts. It puts a black mark on the department and the men and women who serve it. They don't deserve the negative attention.<br /><br />It is my hope that this arrangement is abandoned and that after a selection process , the City Manager selects one interim chief - who if does an acceptable job, will be kept on in a permanent position. I think that is best for my beloved RFD.<br /><br />Maybe I am naive, maybe I am too much of a boy scout. Regardless I don't think this is a good thing for us, the taxpayers either.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Schmoe<br /><br /><br />Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-11037451863377672132013-12-25T10:31:00.002-08:002013-12-25T10:31:41.505-08:00Merry ChristmasMerry Christmas everyone.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6whp8c9qSj4/UrsejdipoOI/AAAAAAAAEDs/Z4ZrCBlb5s8/s1600/upland+star-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6whp8c9qSj4/UrsejdipoOI/AAAAAAAAEDs/Z4ZrCBlb5s8/s400/upland+star-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://uplandstar.com/" target="_blank">Upland Christmas Star</a>. A symbolic message of hope,</div><div style="text-align: center;">dedication and perseverance. A message much needed amid</div><div style="text-align: center;">the insanity that we have allowed Christmas to become.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope that somehow, each of you have been able to get past the chaos and have been able to spend Christmas with people you care about, reflecting on the season's true meaning - one of hope, grace and joy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I chose the above photo because of it's symbolism and of the story of it's subject, the Upland Christmas Star. The Saint I Am Married To made the drive over to San Antonio Heights to photograph the star.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had seen several T.V. stories on the star and I vaguely remembered seeing it long ago. I knew the back story, one where the original star was destroyed in a firestorm back in 2003, when the&nbsp;<a href="http://photos.sbsun.com/2013/10/grand-prix-fire-2003-a-look-back-10-years-later/" target="_blank">Grand Prix Fire</a> ravaged the community and took out over 250 structures.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had heard the story of the property owner, who lost his home in that fire, as well as the star and all of his belongings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More importantly, I knew the story of how that star was rebuilt, through the efforts of the owner and of the community - despite the theft of the wiring and of other hurdles.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The star remains to this day, providing a symbol of hope to wretches like me. The house where the star stands still has not been rebuilt, but the star shines on. It serves as a reminder that through the birth of Christ, there is hope for all of us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Merry Christmas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for Reading,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Schmoe</div>Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-78325083215272297662013-12-01T17:43:00.001-08:002013-12-01T17:43:26.487-08:00Black Friday In The Land Of The Dirt People<span id="goog_1228929260">I was up early, but did not get any shopping done.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span id="goog_1228929260">Do us both a favor and click to enlarge!</span><br /><span id="goog_1228929260">&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFyAfRRYa4o/UpvfeweummI/AAAAAAAAEDM/mSKIjmHvmyM/s1600/Black+Friday+2013-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFyAfRRYa4o/UpvfeweummI/AAAAAAAAEDM/mSKIjmHvmyM/s400/Black+Friday+2013-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1228929260">&nbsp;The sun peeks out from below the horizon.</span></div><br /><span id="goog_1228929260">As soon as I stuck my head outside of our RV, I new it was going to be spectacular. I was able to drive out a little ways from camp and set up my camera before the sunrise began in earnest. By far the best sunrise that I have witnessed in a long time.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span id="goog_1228929260">This is not the most beautiful area that we visit, but if I take my time and look around, I can usually capture some beautiful moments. It was a great way to spend the week, exploring </span>the desert and being with our friends.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBmA5Wz2GYk/UpvkMe7zmcI/AAAAAAAAEDc/0Mt7pjA2EMs/s1600/Black+Friday+2013+2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBmA5Wz2GYk/UpvkMe7zmcI/AAAAAAAAEDc/0Mt7pjA2EMs/s400/Black+Friday+2013+2-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;100 degrees to the right of the top photo, 13 minutes later. A</div><div style="text-align: center;">small rainbow is visible, a result of the sunrise and virga.</div><br />I hope your Thanksgiving was as joyous as ours was.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-64073091946139996072013-11-14T12:48:00.001-08:002013-11-14T12:48:35.788-08:00Great and Greatly Missed<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txCS6eD2KVA/UoUuXzpc5tI/AAAAAAAAEC8/3t1YjVcLUSc/s1600/Walk-a-bout+11-13-13-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txCS6eD2KVA/UoUuXzpc5tI/AAAAAAAAEC8/3t1YjVcLUSc/s320/Walk-a-bout+11-13-13-1.jpg" width="320" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have told many people this before, both in the blogosphere and in person: In a perfect world, we would die, our pets would peacefully follow a few minutes later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sadly, it is not so and we as humans must endure the loss of our furred friends many times during our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After 15 1/2 years, Molly, our faithful wiener dog became decrepit enough that she no longer could lead a misery free life and we had to put her down. She died as peaceful death as I have ever seen, in the arms of The Saint That I Am Married To.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Saint and I were both sniveling like bitches.&nbsp; The vet was kind enough to leave us alone for a few minutes to get our act together before sneaking out of the front door.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We knew this was coming, Molly had been getting worse for quite some time. Her sight, her hearing, her situational awareness and her ability to be a dog were just not there any more. Two nights of illness closed the deal, it was time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My original plan was to bury her in the back yard. Our smallish yard and the possibility of a future owner digging up a wiener dog skeleton while working on a landscaping project precluded that option. That and the illegality of the act.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The thought of her laying in a plastic garbage bag and being disposed of in a landfill, rendering plant or some other mass disposal facility was unacceptable as well. Thus, we opted to have her individually cremated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few days later, the vet called and said that Molly's remains were ready to be picked up. I had no idea that her ashes would be in a little cedar box and that we would receive a plaster cast of her little paw print. I had no desire for either, nut now that we have them, I am most grateful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I write this, I miss her. No so much the old decrepit Molly, or the destructive part of young Molly. Those times were what they were.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I miss the loyal, playful Molly, the faithful companion who kept my wife company while I was away at work or deployed to places far away. I miss the camping Molly and the good Jeepdog who was fun to have hanging around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know where dogs go after they die. It seems kind of presumptuous to think that we humans can be worthy of a heavenesque afterlife and that dogs cannot. I just hope that she is in a better place - she is most certainly worthy of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I miss you Molly</div><br /><br />Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-82546911373310569592013-10-08T09:25:00.001-07:002013-10-08T09:25:47.040-07:00It's all goodNot dead. Not sick. On vacation. We are up north, near the Napa Valley in northern California. As my rarely used laptop is currently lacking security software, I am resorting to the hotel's business center's computer to peruse my favorite sites and drop a post.<br /><br />This trip is a combination of business and pleasure and as the business part is over, I am looking forward to relaxing and taking photos of a part of the state that I rarely visit. More when I get back.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Schmoe<br /><br />Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-80281823602799511612013-09-20T20:55:00.000-07:002013-09-20T20:55:26.811-07:00"Chalkie" Visits The TowerI have been told that the old timey homicide detectives used the term "Chalkie" to describe the outline of a deceased person drawn in chalk around the body. Frankly, I don't know if any law enforcement agencies ever actually traced a chalk line around a dead body. I know I have never seen it done around here, and I been to a few fatal incidents since the early eighties. It might be just a movie thing, though we all know what the outline is for.<br /><br />Apparently, either a crew or the training division knows what it means as well. There is a story behind the photo below, I just don't know what it is.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C896BucAuY0/Uj0SRDrYMCI/AAAAAAAAECs/xi44GrvMhHQ/s1600/E11+E7+A+shift+at+tower+9-18-13-6+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C896BucAuY0/Uj0SRDrYMCI/AAAAAAAAECs/xi44GrvMhHQ/s640/E11+E7+A+shift+at+tower+9-18-13-6+edited.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />I spotted "Chalkie" at the tower a few days ago while taking some pictures of some crews who were drilling.<br /><br />Although I don't know anything about while Chalkie was at the tower, there is quite a bit of info available in the photo and I can probably come up with an educated guess or two as to what this is all about.<br /><br />Obviously, it involved a drill session. The F number in the 600's tells me that a boot-ass rookie was the victim. (I obscured the last two digits of the victims F number, no need to further embarrass the poor bastard. BTW, my F number was in the low 100's) <br /><br />It happened last week.<br /><br />A shortage of air and water was a major factor in the boot's demise.<br /><br />Most likely, some rookie failed to follow proper procedure while participating in a search or RIC drill, causing his early demise. Or, perhaps the said rookie neglected to follow proper procedure regarding interior fire attack and PPE. Maybe the rookie didn't follow accountability procedures when making entry and became lost. Regardless, two distinct conclusions can be made from the above photo.<br /><br />1. - Boot done screwed up.<br /><br />2. - Boot is unlikely to make that exact same mistake again. Not sayin' he/she won't make others, but that exact same boo-boo probably isn't going to happen again.<br /><br />I can also add a few other thoughts on the matter. Chalkie's visit was used as a learning tool, not an attempt to humiliate anybody. Firefighting is deadly serious business. A chalked outline now beats the hell out of the Chief knocking on some newly made widow's door in the middle of the night a few years down the road. Sometimes a little visual aid helps in the instruction process.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Schmoe<br /><br /><br />Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-39502642520995328632013-09-14T07:58:00.002-07:002013-09-14T07:58:42.964-07:00Thieving BastichesI noticed one was missing last Friday. I assumed somebody had just kicked it off and then kicked it away where I couldn't see it. I made a mental note to replace it, either on Saturday morning or Sunday, when it was nice and cool.<br /><br />Saturday morning, I went out to get the paper and discovered that the loss was not an accident, but was an exploratory strike before an all out assault.<br /><br />The thieving bastiches stole a bunch of my sprinkler heads!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7bv7CUHSuo/UjRwTSWB6LI/AAAAAAAAECM/9OGXoVZjlBQ/s1600/thieving+bastiches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7bv7CUHSuo/UjRwTSWB6LI/AAAAAAAAECM/9OGXoVZjlBQ/s400/thieving+bastiches.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;They were the old timey Champion Brass ones, like the ones your pop put in his yard back in the '60s. The original owner of my house had installed them back in 1972 when my house was built.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8idZDHTwrn8/UjR1Wdj2uvI/AAAAAAAAECc/q3H1Ekj2FVI/s1600/head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8idZDHTwrn8/UjR1Wdj2uvI/AAAAAAAAECc/q3H1Ekj2FVI/s400/head.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Not very water-wise and rather antiquated, they had been keeping my front yard green for at least forty years. A few had been replaced, usually due to kids or edger-sprinkler contact, but most were period correct.<br /><br />And now they are gone, most likely destined to a date with the metal recycler. Some&nbsp; douchebag decided he needed booze or drugs more than I needed a green lawn.<br /><br />It isn't the money really. It's just that some thieving bastich had the balls to walk into my front yard and kype them. I could have replaced them all for about 60 bucks. That, however, would have been a lesson in futility. They would have been gone again inside a week. Ruth, the neighbor lady on the next block, has replaced hers three times. I question her trainability. Instead, I opted for the cheapo plastic facsimiles which cost me $24 and have absolutely no scrap value. <br /><br />I view the event as a temporary fix. I really need to redesign my irrigation system and install one more efficient and less wasteful. That is a bigger endeavor than I want to take on right now.&nbsp; When I do get around to redoing my syatem, you can be assured that you will know about it. The net is a great place to spread whining and gnashing of teeth.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-83499395755623583582013-09-12T09:42:00.002-07:002013-09-12T09:42:45.823-07:00Reflections on YesterdayDespite the importance of yesterday and the events which cause us to pause and remember the horrific events that occurred on Sept. 11 2001, I didn't post about it. It wasn't because I forgot or didn't think that it was that important. It wasn't even that I didn't want to remember or that I am tired of all of the negative impacts that the terrorist acts have had on countless numbers of lives since the event.<br /><br />I remember it all, as I am sure most of us do. I remember how I found out. I remember what I did that day and on the days following. I remember how I explained it to my kids. I remember how many of my colleagues flew on that night to assist in the search of the WTC debris. I also remember how emotionally impacted many of those people were when they returned home some time later. <br /><br />I think the main reason that I didn't post yesterday was, that over the last four years of writing this blog, I have pretty much said everything that I have to say about it. I am not trying to be an asshole about it, but my position on the matter has not really changed in the last four years. I am pretty sure that most of you feel the same way about the tragedy as you did four years ago, perhaps the same way as in 2001.<br /><br />We still remember, feel the same sense of loss,&nbsp; the same anguish that we did when it happened. Perhaps our anger is a little less and the view of our response as a nation might have changed, but the core emotions and feelings are still pretty much the same.<br /><br />If you want to go back and read some of my previous thoughts on the matter, they can be found at the following links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.report-on-conditions.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-have-been-hauling-envelope-around-for.html" target="_blank">The Envelope</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.report-on-conditions.blogspot.com/2010/09/like-many-fields.html" target="_blank">Fields</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.report-on-conditions.blogspot.com/2009/09/september-11-2001.html" target="_blank">Schmoes</a><br /><br />I am sure that there are more, I just can't find them.<br /><br />Don't think less of me for not posting about yesterday - believe me, I spent plenty of time thinking about that awful day - those who were lost, those who lost loved ones and those who have suffered in the aftermath.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-78969233153693018032013-09-09T22:22:00.002-07:002013-09-09T22:22:19.319-07:00Pretty Big House Ka-BoomPretty big for us anyways. All of the house ka-booms that I have responded to over the years involved a wall or two pushed into the back yard accompanied by a small fire. This one was a little more spectacular. Two damaged exposures, one with an established attic fire added to the original mayhem.<br /><br />Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. Unfortunately, I didn't bother to get up when my phone advised me of the incident so I didn't get down there until an hour into the incident.<br /><br />What I saw when I first got there:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;click to enlarge</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBUTWuHhV48/Ui5SeM9EQ2I/AAAAAAAAD-4/D5ZQbCO1bQI/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBUTWuHhV48/Ui5SeM9EQ2I/AAAAAAAAD-4/D5ZQbCO1bQI/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The remains of a single story, single family dwelling blown into the street, yards and neighbors yards. I'm just guesssin' two thirds of the house was blown into smaller pieces and displaced by a dozen feet or more. Some of it much more. What was left in the original footprint of the house had decisively burned. I was told that the flamage visible in the above image was from the destroyed/damaged gas meter. As it was in very near proximity to the bravo side exposure, the combustibles near it had to be kept cool. The boot spent a lot of time on that hoseline until the Gas Co. could get the supply shut down.&nbsp;<br /><br />Another guess is that it was a pretty impressive sight when Eng. 8 arrived on scene. Exposures were the priority, all of the stuff that needed to be done gobbled up a fair amount of resources. People were busy for quite a while.<br /><br />It has been a while since I have been able to get out and shoot. In fact, this is the first real incident that I have shot since the first week of August. It took a while to get some things right, some things I didn't figure out until after I got home and viewed the images. Sorry, I am still learning I guess.<br /><br />The two Eng 8 firefighters on the exposure line. You can see how close the gas fire is to the bravo exposure. Though the bravo exposure doesn't look it, it was heavily damaged by fire as well as the blast. The attic fire was well established and gobbled up pretty near a full alarm to get it under control.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Sk69rsF914/Ui5XY1FVJ1I/AAAAAAAAD_I/nJzHoW4t4G4/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Sk69rsF914/Ui5XY1FVJ1I/AAAAAAAAD_I/nJzHoW4t4G4/s640/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-13.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />Sunrise over the fire ground. From the morning of my first "all nighter" until this very day, I have always received energy from the sky slowly gaining light and color in the east. Part of it must be a natural reaction to the dawn, part of it must have been that a brightening sky meant shift change was only a few hours away.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79cpnohFXLw/Ui6MstCrn_I/AAAAAAAAD_Y/ubdrk8iFTV4/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79cpnohFXLw/Ui6MstCrn_I/AAAAAAAAD_Y/ubdrk8iFTV4/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Spaghetti for breakfast. Yummy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIKO29OysZU/Ui6PcunewJI/AAAAAAAAD_k/bhV8LUuLH3E/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIKO29OysZU/Ui6PcunewJI/AAAAAAAAD_k/bhV8LUuLH3E/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The Dragon slayers from Arlanza. Arlanza is the 'hood where I grew up, my folks still live there. In a sense, these are the guys that watch over my peeps. I think they were the first engine in on the second alarm.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cb8fJ-Zs_fE/Ui6Qzq2j8QI/AAAAAAAAD_w/Nxp4n5-L2Tw/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cb8fJ-Zs_fE/Ui6Qzq2j8QI/AAAAAAAAD_w/Nxp4n5-L2Tw/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />As the sky grew brighter, the devastation became more apparent. As destroyed as that house was, it couldn't overpower the beauty of the sky.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XiLbhi-0S14/Ui6SAJQuXeI/AAAAAAAAD_8/TUcLK2hy2CA/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XiLbhi-0S14/Ui6SAJQuXeI/AAAAAAAAD_8/TUcLK2hy2CA/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-29.jpg" width="266" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You have to admire the roof sheeting that was blown into the tree. Nice touch. BTW, all of that debris was blown into the back yard, none of it was moved there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And still, the boot was on the hoseline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhQu3yudt6U/Ui6TD3-x9PI/AAAAAAAAEAI/xyF3pCPxWVo/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhQu3yudt6U/Ui6TD3-x9PI/AAAAAAAAEAI/xyF3pCPxWVo/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Gas Co. showed up with a crew to shut off the supply. They had to find the plastic supply pipe, gig it up and then pinch it off. It didn't take as long as you might think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGhGRLzGj_U/Ui6Y1nW75DI/AAAAAAAAEAY/Gjx3OoMmgGI/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGhGRLzGj_U/Ui6Y1nW75DI/AAAAAAAAEAY/Gjx3OoMmgGI/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UpAs4QIQ14/Ui6ZXxwH8hI/AAAAAAAAEAg/VvYP8cFdRqA/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UpAs4QIQ14/Ui6ZXxwH8hI/AAAAAAAAEAg/VvYP8cFdRqA/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-53.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />The Deputy Chief showed up (2nd from left), along with the relief Battalion Chief. The original BC got to go home.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCLoezQXCHk/Ui6aHQPiovI/AAAAAAAAEAo/W_LOnpc-GkM/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCLoezQXCHk/Ui6aHQPiovI/AAAAAAAAEAo/W_LOnpc-GkM/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-76.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It must have been a slow news day. Every L.A. channel showed up, both on the ground and in the air. I can't even begin to tell you how many people have told me that they saw me on the news that morning.<br /><br />Our PIO had his hands full.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq62v46pRGw/Ui6hwfTIifI/AAAAAAAAEA8/rJJ8y9Y4-w0/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq62v46pRGw/Ui6hwfTIifI/AAAAAAAAEA8/rJJ8y9Y4-w0/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-80.jpg" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though the house was supposed to be vacant, one can't be sure these days. An HRD dog (Human Remains Deceased) from our USAR team was called in to check for any bodies that might have been in the rubble. Dublin is one of three dogs that this handler owns. He also owns Hunter, also an HRD dog and Blue a live rescue dog.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully, no hits were made.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehF97pVN1pY/Ui6jNk9whWI/AAAAAAAAEBI/ru1X2a18hRQ/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehF97pVN1pY/Ui6jNk9whWI/AAAAAAAAEBI/ru1X2a18hRQ/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-91.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZcbciCELUo/Ui6jkyOhRrI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/DYxZttj-pKY/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZcbciCELUo/Ui6jkyOhRrI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/DYxZttj-pKY/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-95.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everybody loves the Dog. I love the dog, even <a href="http://www.myfoxla.com/story/18575097/gigi-graciet" target="_blank">Gigi Graciette </a>loves the dog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1e4j7qVADqQ/Ui6rDKCKSrI/AAAAAAAAEB8/nGyZaRhQKug/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1e4j7qVADqQ/Ui6rDKCKSrI/AAAAAAAAEB8/nGyZaRhQKug/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-98.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;After Dublin failed to detect any bodies buried in the rubble, it was time for the Fire Investigation team to move in and sort things out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ytf0xifelI/Ui6lp_kBG5I/AAAAAAAAEBc/gZ6O4Nl_GdQ/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ytf0xifelI/Ui6lp_kBG5I/AAAAAAAAEBc/gZ6O4Nl_GdQ/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhoSvMoaNpY/Ui6mG-O-HMI/AAAAAAAAEBk/PthZx6BdJWc/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhoSvMoaNpY/Ui6mG-O-HMI/AAAAAAAAEBk/PthZx6BdJWc/s640/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-125.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A gas leak was suspected as the cause of the blast, the home was being renovated at the time. When I left, the scene was still being investigated. As of yet, the cause has not been determined pending further investigation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The debris field extended in excess of 100 feet in all directions. The neighboring houses absorbed most of the debris on the sides, but the street to the front was covered in roofing tiles, glass and other items. The photo below is of some glass that was blasted into a wooden fence over 100 feet from the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf8mnl9ORYg/Ui6nug-QabI/AAAAAAAAEBw/K5AaMEw5DfQ/s1600/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf8mnl9ORYg/Ui6nug-QabI/AAAAAAAAEBw/K5AaMEw5DfQ/s400/Cochise+Inc+Expl+w+fire+9-6-13-41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully, no one was hurt. Someone walking in front of the house at the time of the explosion would likely have been seriously injured if not killed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After shooting combined with standing by for over four hours, I was tired and hungry so I opted to leave. I am guessing there was personnel out there for most of the day. That's what perfect about my role, when I am done, I leave. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well done to A shift, they did a good job making some sense of order from intense chaos. Thanks to them for letting me shoot. Thanks to you for reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Schmoe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-50368403421111966592013-09-07T18:10:00.000-07:002013-09-07T18:10:41.307-07:00I Used To Dream Of Doing This!As have most firefighters, I am sure.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="274" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/re_VFd7dajA" width="487"></iframe><br /><br />It would be a last resort type of thing, after all the boss would have to be convinced that it was necessary. But, if it was the only reasonable option, sorry Charlie - I'm a gonna stretch through your whip!<br /><br />We've all seen cars parked in front of a hydrant, but fortune has seen fit not to cause a fire nearby while the offending car was there. This time, the car owners luck ran out and the engineer got to do what most of us have dreamed of.<br /><br />Stay in school. Don't do drugs. Don't park in front of hydrants.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />SchmoeCapt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-489648728739050434.post-57639684381594916702013-09-05T08:01:00.001-07:002013-09-05T08:01:32.735-07:00Out of the NestWe took a little road trip over the weekend. Saturday, we left the crib and drove to the San Fransisco bay area. We took two trucks - one containing The Saint That I Am Married To and myself, the other containing my oldest son. Both trucks also contained my son's meager possessions. After 22 2/3 years of living with us, my son has decided to follow his heart and his girlfriend and move away.<br /><br />The trip itself was uneventful. Despite four stops to move around, we made it in less than 7 hours. No cargo or vehicle issues were noted. I guess the vehicle maintenance done on his truck before leaving paid off.<br /><br />There wasn't a lot of sightseeing or recreation on the trip, it was pretty much all business. We arrived in the East bay and unloaded the trucks, then drove to a neighboring city where we checked into our hotel. After a bit, my son and his girlfriend drove up and we all had dinner together. We chatted for a while after dinner, then returned to our hotel while the "kids" returned to their apartment. We were all pretty thrashed.<br /><br />The morning was basically the same, only in reverse. The kid's girlfriend had to be at work at 0800, so we drove down and met at a diner that they like to eat at. Scottie's Diner is in Vallejo and it puts on a great breakfast. We ate and talked, then the girlfriend left for work. We stayed around in the parking lot for a bit talking with my son, then it was time for the Saint and to head back south. Hugs and tears (even from the hard-ass kid) followed, it all ended with a wave as he headed out of the parking lot.<br /><br />The drive home was uneventful, traffic was fairly light. I-5 through central California is one of the ugliest, boring drives that I make. Light traffic is better - the least amount of time spent on it the better. Our good progress validated the decision to come home on Sunday, the long weekend guaranteed a traffic mess on Monday, one that we wanted to avoid.<br /><br />The path that my kid has chosen is not one that we would have chosen for him. We would have preferred moving him into a dorm at a State University rather that an apartment with his girlfriend. He, like I, is very independent and has determined what he feels is the best path for him. Though I disagree, I have to respect his choices.<br /><br />He starts a new gig on Monday, one with full benefits and a fair wage. As he is a big boy now, one that can live with his squeeze 350 mile away from home, he is kind of on his own. I signed the truck over to him, ensured that it was in sound condition and moved him up there. The rest is on him.<br /><br />Hopefully he will make sound decisions and continue to improve himself and his lot in life. The Saint and I spent 22 years trying to produce a self sufficient productive citizen, we'll see if we succeeded.<br /><br />I miss him but I have to be honest, some of the petty little B.S. like a messy room and glasses left on the counter I will not.<br /><br />We are headed back up there in October for a few days and I am looking forward to it. I am also looking forward to leaving a mess in his kitchen. <br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Schmoe<br /><br /> Capt. Schmoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394460305247627610noreply@blogger.com0